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Introducing Malta

Malta Travel Guide

Dubbed 'the open air museum of the Mediterranean', Malta is a
compelling country, bursting with interesting historical sights.
The small country is comprised of three islands: Malta Island, the
largest and most visited of the three; Gozo, famous for its gentle
hills and tranquil atmosphere; and Comino, a small and isolated
island with excellent water sport opportunities.

The allure of a holiday in Malta is tangible and varied. Within
Valletta, visitors can see the
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mdina, where the ruins of the ancient
capital city of Malta can be explored; while on Gozo Island, the Ggantija Temples, massive
megalithic structures that pre-date Stonehenge, are a must-see.
Malta is also a fantastic beach holiday destination, featuring a
varied and pleasant selection of beaches and a generally laid-back
and relaxed atmosphere, peppered throughout the year with vibrant
festivals and other cultural celebrations. The best beaches in
Malta are Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay in the north of Malta Island,
or on Gozo, where Odysseus is said to have delayed his homecoming
by lazing on the red sands of Ramla Bay. The Blue Lagoon, located
on the coast of Comino Island, boasts some of the clearest, most
turquoise water in the Mediterranean and is a huge hit on the
international diving and snorkelling circuit, while the Azure Window (on Gozo Island) is a
deservedly famous natural rock formation that picturesquely frames
the Mediterranean Sea.

Best time to visit Malta

Malta has a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry
summers and cooler, wet winters. The best time to visit Malta is
between April and October; the high temperatures in July and August
are soothed somewhat by sea breezes. Read more on Malta Climate and
Weather.

What to see in Malta

-The ruins of Mdina are situated
on a rocky outcrop about nine miles (15km) west of Valletta, and
home to the Baroque Cathedral of St Paul.

-The Ggantija Temples, on Gozo
Island, are impressive pre-Phoenician structures with an ancient
and mysterious history.

-The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, believed to be a Neolithic burial
chamber constructed about 5,000 years ago.

-The Caravaggio Paintings in the St
John's Co-Cathedral have captured the imagination of travellers
for many years, and the cathedral itself has an interesting
history. Read more about Malta
Attractions.

What to do in Malta

-Watch The Malta Experience, an
audio-visual show in Valletta that provides a fantastic overview of
7,000 years of Maltese history.

-Head to one of Malta's glittering beaches, and enjoy the
tranquil seaside atmosphere while sampling some local seafood.

-For snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, a trip to the Blue
Lagoon on Comino Island is an absolute must.

-Take a walking tour of the Three
Cities, an urban conglomerate located on promontories opposite
Valletta, where the Baroque-style stone buildings glow a deep honey
colour in the setting sun.

Getting to Malta

Cheap flights to Malta International are easy to find from a
variety of British and American destinations. Direct flights to
Malta are available from major British airports, with the flight
taking about three hours. Passengers flying from the United States
may have to book a connecting flight. Note that Malta is a Schengen
member state, and so some passengers might require a visa to visit
the country. Get more information on Malta Airports.

Read

The Sword and the Scimitar by David Ball, The
Jukebox Queen of Malta by Nicholas Rinaldi, and Earthly
Powers by Anthony Burgess.

What to buy

What to pack

If travelling to Malta between April and October (and especially
in July and August), prepare yourself for dry heat and lots of sun
- pack sunscreen and after-sun lotion, as well as a hat and
lightweight clothes. Bear in mind that many of Malta's best sights
require some exploring, and so comfortable walking shoes are highly
recommended.

What's on in Malta

The Malta Carnival (February) brings
riotous celebrations to the capital of Valletta each spring.
The Malta Fireworks Festival (April),
held at the Grand Harbour in Valletta, is an exciting and popular
visual feast that culminates in a 'History of Malta' laser show set
to rousing music. More information on Events in Malta.

Did you know?

-Malta was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as 'Melita',
which means the 'island of honey'.

-In the past, there used to be a bridge connecting Malta with
the island of Sicily.

-The University of Malta is one of the oldest in the
Mediterranean, having been founded in 1592.

A final word

A country with a rich history and interesting cultural sights,
uniquely blessed with great beaches and outstanding natural
scenery, Malta is a top-class Mediterranean vacation destination
that is sure to appeal to visitors from all walks of life.

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